Kolkata/IBNS, Aug. 13 -- The Suvendu Adhikari-led West Bengal government has withdrawn the Banga Bibhushan Award conferred on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nagendra Ray, popularly known as Anant Maharaj, following his controversial remarks on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Anant Maharaj was conferred the Banga Bibhushan, West Bengal government's highest civilian award, on February 21, 2026.

The award was presented by then West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at a state government programme in Kolkata to mark International Mother Language Day.

Maharaj was honoured for his contributions to the socio-economic development of the Rajbanshi community.

The controversy erupted after Anant Maharaj allegedly referred to Netaji as a "war cr...